Today's Opinions

During one of our district tours last year, a concerned constituent told me that federal government regulations are “taking the breath” away from small businesses and family farms in the 5th District. And as I make visits with Central and Southside Virginians across our district, I am constantly reminded of those words as I see the devastating effects that unnecessary federal regulations are having on families, individuals, and small businesses.

I agree with the law suit against the EPA.
I am concerned they do not mention the chemical companies’ involvement in the Chesapeake Bay pollution of the nitrogen and phosphorus. The Monsantos and other big rich chemical companies have overloaded farmers for years. The cow manure is not the cause as our government is trying to make us believe.

The United States of America has a long and honorable tradition of separation of church and state. Our Founding Fathers did not intend to form a theocratic “Christian nation.”
The men (no women or blacks, remember) who founded this country had very differing views about religion. They knew what religious wars between Catholics and Protestants had done to Europe.

One of the more memorable ads in this year’s Superbowl was a Mayan apocalypse themed Chevy commercial. The only thing that survives, other than Chevy trucks, are Twinkies. I was glad to see that the Twinkies survived as they were one of my favorites when I was a kid.

Congratulations to Sara Braaten, executive director of the Bower Center for the Arts, on being recognized for her work over the past three years at the Center.
The James River Council for the Arts & Humanities recently presented her with the Arts Volunteer Award from the organization, noting that as the volunteer director of the non-profit, she was recognized for “almost single handedly transforming a quiet, little-known group into a lively and exciting center for the visual and performing arts.”

I am and have been a citizen of Bedford County for over 60 years. I normally try not to get involved in politics and government matters. But this situation with our former County Administrator, Kathleen Guzi, is weighing on my mind, and I feel it is time for me to speak out.